Tessa Rusgnak, Ajeuro Abala, Alie Rutty & Matthew “Zach” Zacharias | Photo Graham Venney
Presented by The Neighbourhood Follies
I was only able to fit a single kids show into my Fringe this summer. Gerry’s Imaginarium was on my radar specifically because the performing troupe, The Neighbourhood Follies, were already on my radar. I’d never caught any of their outdoor gigs at Harbourfront or Woodbine Park, but they always struck me as having such a lovely aura radiating playful positivity.
And I was right!
At only 35 minutes (perfect for the youngest demographic on their suggested range of kids 4 to 12), this is a short but persistently sweet little offering. The scrappy production, with its DIY aesthetic, boasts an adorable set of cardboard boxes scattered about. They seem a little drab, but just wait…
Gerry the architect (Ajeuro Abala, with dapper suit and endearing persona) has been tasked by his big Boss (a disembodied voice who applies “pressure” by chanting the word at him over and over again!) to design and construct a theatre for the upcoming (only 45 minutes away!) performance by The Troubadours (Tessa Rusgnak and Matthew “Zach” Zacharias).
Rusgnak and Zacharias are also our intrepid narrators, which is especially helpful in this situation because Gerry doesn’t speak. Neither does Lotte (Alie Rutty), an exuberant, encouraging sprite who pops, with an eruption of coloured confetti, out of a box marked “Imagination.” But they don’t need words, they have their dancing, a language they speak fluently and with purpose! Rutty and Abala, whimsical mimes, have a breezy, engaging dynamic.
As Gerry tries to build, all of the boxes keep falling down and the Boss eventually forbids dancing and brings the whole mood down. Its here that kids in the audiences are invited up on stage to learn a simple dance and help set things right. There are some low-stakes high-value lessons along the way.
There’s plenty of opportunities for audience call backs and interaction, even if its just clapping out a beat for the sweet and uplifting songs. Everyone’s vibe is attentive, inclusive and the whole vibe should delight youngsters.
Gerry’s Imaginarium is a quaint, charming affair held together with kooky, winsome personalities. And those drab boxes contain a cheerful surprise!
